Research Program Overview

The U.S. Poultry & Egg Association (USPOULTRY) is dedicated to the growth, progress, and welfare of the poultry industry and all of its individual and corporate interests. The promotion of problem-related research and the concomitant training of graduate students are priorities for the association. Research results are publicized in the industry press and made available on the USPOULTRY website.

USPOULTRY and the USPOULTRY Foundation jointly sponsor two research programs. The Comprehensive Research Program, founded in 1963, funds research in all areas of poultry and egg production and processing. It receives research preproposals twice each year, in early May and November. A list of priority research topics for the Comprehensive Research Program can be found on this website. The Board Research Initiative is the second research program. It functions to focus additional funds on currently important topics selected by the Board of Directors of USPOULTRY. Requests for proposals are released by the Board Research Initiative in September of each year. Current topics for the Board Research Initiative can be seen on this website.

Research proposals are evaluated by a 15-member panel composed of industry scientists and technical specialists representing a cross section of disciplines and responsibilities. Panelists evaluate more than 100 proposals each year to determine their value and potential benefit to the poultry and egg industry. The committee's recommendations are referred to the association's Board of Directors for funding. Currently approximately 15-20 percent of proposals submitted to USPOULTRY are recommended for funding by the committee.